Marijuana grower seeks 1M-plus-sf Charlton facility

A marijuana grower in Charlton is seeking town and community approval to construct a massive facility at the site of an apple orchard.

Valley Green Grow, based in North Andover, is proposing a greenhouse, processing and manufacturing, testing and research facility hoped to be at least 1 million square feet.

The company is planning to work with other companies to lease space in the facility for cultivation and production.

The company has agreed to pay the town up to $1.4 million in annual development fees, and at least $100 per square feet of interior space in taxes.

Per agreements with the town, Valley Green must give employment opportunities first to local residents, and must give local vendors and companies first priority for the construction and maintenance of the facility.

The company is seeking several licenses from the state, including marijuana cultivator, manufacturer, retailer, research facility and transporter.

A community outreach meeting is being held at Charlton Middle School at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.